Unfortunately while wearing locs (braids, wigs, cornrows and straightened hair can get moldy too) at some point a lack of proper drying can lead to mold or mildew. This is usually due to your hair remaining damp and dry for 2 days or more.
To avoid this, make sure your hair is properly dried before or after styling and or wrapping. Whether free form or trained locs. I don’t like dryers but depending on your hair, environment etc your hair may take a long time to dry and that presents the risk of molding.
To remove mold from your hair –>
1. Spray your hair thoroughly with a solution of 1 part Vinegar 1 Part Water and wait for about 15 minutes. Make sure the hair is completely saturated. DO NOT COVER
Also —> You can also add 10 drops tea tree oil and 10 drops grapefruit essential oil to approximately half cup of water and spray your locs instead of using the vinegar solution.
2. Shampoo hair thorughly (a shampoo that includes tea tree oil, grapefruit essential oil and or rosemary essential oil is great) If you have any of these oils at home you can also add a couple drops to your shampoo or rinse water.
3. After shampooing allow your hair to dry properly. Towel wring and dry your hair. Depending on the weather or your environment you can allow your hair to openly air dry. If not blow out the excess water with a blow dryer but not until the hair is crisp dry.
Once the hair is dried you should smell the difference in your hair.
I would suggest repeating this process within 10-14 days or whenever next you wash your hair.
The information included on this page is for educational purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional advice. The reader should always consult his or her healthcare provider or stylist to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation or if they have any questions regarding a medical condition or treatment plan. Reading the information on this website does not create a professional relationship.
